Button latch with integrally molded cantilever springs

ABSTRACT

An integral button latch is formed for use in a female fluid connector housing. The button latch has a latch plate, a button actuator, and two or more cantilevered leg springs extending from beneath the actuation surface to interface with the connector housing. The latch plate, the button actuator, and the leg springs are all integrally formed. The leg springs bias the latch plate in a locked position and resist depression forces applied to either of the button actuator or the latch plate. By integrally forming the button latch structure, the separate costs associated with purchasing the springs, molding the lock latch, and the ensuing assembly of the three are significantly diminished.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C.§119(e) of U.S. provisional application No. 61/361,228 filed 2 Jul. 2010entitled “Button latch with integrally molded cantilever springs” andU.S. provisional application No. 61/289,998 filed 23 Dec. 2009 entitled“Button latch with integrally molded cantilever springs,” which ishereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present application is related to U.S. patent application No.61/289,990 filed 23 Dec. 2009 entitled “Fluid connector latches withprofile lead-ins,” U.S. provisional application No. 61/289,545 filed 23Dec. 2009 entitled “Male bayonet connector,” U.S. design patentapplication No. 29/352,637 filed 23 Dec. 2009 entitled “Female duallumen connector,” and U.S. design patent application No. 29/351,665filed 9 Dec. 2009 entitled “Male dual lumen bayonet connector,” whichare hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technology described herein relates to latch mechanisms for fluidtube connection devices.

BACKGROUND

Tubing sections are often be joined together to provide for gas and/orliquid fluid flow from one component to another. Thus, it is oftendesirable to connect and disconnect tubing sections from one another.For example, when a patient's blood pressure is taken with an automaticblood pressure monitor, tubing from the blood pressure cuff (which isgenerally wrapped around the patient's arm) is connected to the tubingthat is connected to the blood pressure monitor. To disconnect the cufffrom the blood pressure monitor, it is desirable to merely detach thetubing section connected to the cuff from the tubing connected to theblood pressure monitor. Similarly, when providing intravenous fluids, itis often required to replace an empty fluid bag with a full fluid bagwithout removing the intravenous needle or stent from the patient. Inorder to switch between the first fluid bag and the second fluid bag, itis desirable to merely detach a tubing section connected with the fluidbag to the tubing section connected with the needle or stent placedintravenously in the patient, which can then be easily connected with atubing section connected with the new fluid bag.

Single lumen blood pressure cuff connectors are commercially availablefrom various manufacturers. Common connectors currently use two metalsprings and a separate molded lock latch part in conjunction with thedisconnect button to form a button-actuated latch mechanism. Generally,the greater number of parts forming a connector, the more expensive itwill be to manufacturer due to the cost of multiple parts and thegreater number of steps in the manufacturing and assembly process.

The information included in this Background section of thespecification, including any references cited herein and any descriptionor discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes onlyand is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of theinvention is to be bound.

SUMMARY

An integral button latch is formed in a female fluid connector housinghaving a latch plate, an actuator portion, and two or more cantileveredsprings extending from beneath the actuation surface. The latch plate isintegral with and extends downwardly from the button actuator. The legsprings are integrally formed with either or both the button actuator orthe latch plate and extend from either or both the button actuator orthe latch plate. The plurality of cantilevered leg springs bias thelatch plate in a locked position and resist depression forces applied toeach of the button actuator and the latch plate.

By integrally forming the button latch structure, the separate costsassociated with purchasing the springs, molding the lock latch and theensuing assembly of the three are significantly diminished. In oneimplementation, the button latch is designed with three plastic springsand a dual latch, which are all molded as part of a single disconnectbutton. The four parts (button, 2 springs, and the lock latch) are thusconsolidated into one button latch. As a further advantage, by designinga connector with no metal springs, the connector is compatible for useduring a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure or in otherenvironments in which metal parts or multiple parts might malfunction orbecome hazardous.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A moreextensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantagesof the present invention is provided in the following writtendescription of various embodiments of the invention, illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, and defined in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a female connector with a button latchand a corresponding male bayonet connector.

FIG. 2A is a top front isometric view of an embodiment of a button latchwith integrally molded cantilevered springs.

FIG. 2B is a bottom rear isometric view of the button latch of FIG. 2Awith integrally molded cantilevered springs.

FIG. 2C is a front elevation view of the button latch of FIG. 2A withintegrally molded cantilevered springs.

FIG. 3A is a top front isometric view in partial cross section of thebutton latch of FIG. 2 positioned in the female connector of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is a front elevation view in cross section of the button latchof FIG. 2 positioned in the female connector of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3C is a side elevation view in cross section of the button latch ofFIG. 2 positioned in the female connector of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a side elevation view in cross section of the button latch ofFIG. 2 positioned in the female connector of FIG. 1 initially receivingthe male bayonet connector.

FIG. 4B is a side elevation view in cross section of the button latch ofFIG. 2 positioned in the female connector of FIG. 1 with the malebayonet connector deflecting the button latch as it is inserted withinthe female connector.

FIG. 4c is a side elevation view in cross section of the button latch ofFIG. 2 positioned in the female connector of FIG. 1 with the malebayonet connector fully inserted within the female connector and thebutton latch engaging the male bayonet connector.

FIG. 5A is an illustration of finite element analysis results indicatingareas of stress on the integrally molded springs on the button latch.

FIG. 5B is a schematic drawing of a spring arm of the button latch in arest position.

FIG. 5C is a schematic drawing of a spring arm of the button latch in adeformed position.

FIG. 6A is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a button latchwith integrally molded cantilevered springs.

FIG. 6B is an isometric view of the second embodiment of the buttonlatch positioned within a female connector housing shown in partialcross section.

FIG. 6C is an isometric view of the second embodiment of the buttonlatch positioned within a female connector housing shown in partialcross section.

FIG. 6D is an enlarged view of a portion of the second embodiment of thebutton latch as indicated in FIG. 6C.

FIG. 6E is an isometric view of the second embodiment of the buttonlatch positioned within a female connector housing shown in partialcross section with the button in a depressed position.

FIG. 6F is an enlarged view of a portion of the second embodiment of thebutton latch as indicated in FIG. 6E.

FIG. 6G is a side elevation view in cross section of the secondembodiment of the button latch positioned within a female connectorhousing.

FIG. 6H is a side elevation view in cross section of the secondembodiment of the button latch positioned within a female connectorhousing with the button in a depressed position.

FIG. 7A is an isometric view of a third embodiment of a button latchwith integrally molded cantilevered springs.

FIG. 7B is an isometric view of the third embodiment of the button latchpositioned within a female connector housing shown in partial crosssection.

FIG. 8A is an isometric view of a fourth embodiment of a button latchwith integrally molded cantilevered springs.

FIG. 8B is an isometric view of the fourth embodiment of the buttonlatch positioned within a female connector housing shown in partialcross section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A female fluid connector may be used conjunction with male bayonetconnectors to releasably connect sections of tubing. In one embodiment,for example as shown in FIGS. 1-2C, the female receiving connector 102includes a button latch 100 that actuates an integral, guillotine-typelatch plate 112. The latch plate 112 physically secures a male bayonetconnector 104 within the female connector 102. When the male bayonetconnector 104 is inserted distally into the female receiving connector102, a distal end of the male bayonet connector 104 interfaces with aproximal edge of a receiving aperture 114 within the latch plate 112 tobias the latch plate 112 downward and lower the receiving aperture 114through which the male bayonet connector 104 may pass. The downwardtravel of the latch plate 112 is countered by an arrangement ofcantilevered springs 118, 120, 122 (see FIGS. 2A-2C) extending from thebutton actuator 106 and interfacing with surfaces on the interior wallsof the housing of the female connector 102 in order to bias the latchplate 112 in an upward, locked position. The male bayonet connector 104defines an annular channel 142 that is engaged by the edges of theaperture 114 in the guillotine latch plate 112 upon sufficient insertionof the male bayonet connector 104 into the female receiving connector102.

The orientations “proximal” and “distal” as used herein have beenarbitrarily chosen, and are not meant to limit the present disclosure,but will follow the convention just described with reference to the endsof the female receiving connector 102 and male bayonet connector 104.

In this embodiment, the female connector 102 is primarily designed forconnection between the tubing from a blood pressure monitor and a maleconnector, which is attached to tubing from a blood pressure cuff. Theblood pressure cuff is fastened about the patient's arm. When the femaleconnector 102 is connected to the male connector 104, the flow of aircan pass through. The term “dual lumen” indicates that there are two airpathways within the connector. Disconnect between the female connector102 and the male connector 104 is achieved via pressing the actuationbutton latch 100, which disengages the male connector 104 from the latchplate 112 and then the two components can be pulled apart.

In the implementation depicted in FIGS. 1-5C, the button latch 100 hasthree cantilevered legs that function as springs, namely, a left spring118, a right spring 120, and a rear spring 122. Each of the springs 118,120, 122 is integrally formed with the actuator 106 and the latch plate112. The latch plate 112 extends downwardly and generallyperpendicularly from the proximal edge of the button actuator 106. Theactuator 106 is a surface that resides within an aperture in the top ofthe housing of the female connector 102. The exposed surface of theactuator 106 may be ergonomically formed to support a thumb or finger ofa user when depressing the actuator 106 to disengage the male connector104. The actuator 106 may have a thickness defined by a sidewall 108that interfaces with and travels along a corresponding sidewall of theaperture within the housing of the female connector 102. The actuator106 may also define a retention flange 110 that extends outwardly at thebase of the sidewall 108 underneath the top surface of the femaleconnector housing to engage the housing and retain the button 100 withinthe apertures.

Each of the left spring 118 and the right spring 120 extend from a toplateral corner of the latch plate 112 and curve downwardly to a distancebelow the bottom of the latch plate 112. Each of the left and rightsprings 118, 120 may be understood as having an outer shoulder 124, aninner hollow 126, an outer radius 128, and an inner radius 130. There isthus a curved separation space between the inner radius 130 and thelateral sides of the latch plate 112. This separation space allows theleft and right springs 118, 120 to flex when under pressure from thedownward force of the button 100, either through depression of theactuator 106 by a user or due to the insertion of a male connector 104.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the outer radius 128 of each toward thelower ends of the left and right springs 118, 120 interfaces with aninside surface of the housing of the female connector 102 as ittransitions along a curve from side surfaces to the bottom surface ofthe housing. As the button is depressed, the left and right springs 118,120 slide along the curved inner surface of the housing and deflect bothlaterally inward and upward.

In addition to the left and right springs 118, 120, the rear of thebutton 100 is further supported by a rear spring 122 to provide a“tripod” support structure. The rear spring 122 curves distally outwardfrom the button 100 rather than underneath it as the left and rightsprings 118, 120 do. The curve of the rear spring may be understood todefine a rear spring outer radius 134. As shown in FIG. 3C, the outerradius 134 of the rear spring 122 interfaces with a curved insidesurface of the housing of the female connector 102. As the button isdepressed, the rear spring 122 slides along the curved inner surface ofthe housing and deflects both distally and upward.

The button 100 is constantly biased upward due to the three springs 118,120, 122. The springs 118, 120, 122 need to be “loaded” so that thebutton 100 remains in the upward or locked position until the userdepresses the button 100 or until a male bayonet connector in insertedinto the connector aperture 114, which will mechanically force thebutton 100 downward. The interface between the retention flange 110 anda guide wall 138 of the housing of the female connector 102 surroundingthe button aperture therein ensures that the button 100 is retainedwithin the female connector while under the bias of the springs 118,120, 122. The thickness of the actuator 106 and therefore the height ofthe sidewalls 108 may be selected to be larger than the downward traveldistance of the button 100 within the guide wall 138 when connecting anddisconnecting with the male connector 104. In this way the sidewall 108acts as a guide to align the button 100. The button 100 remains centeredand level within the female connector 102 while it is depressed andfurther the actuator 106 does not slip under the housing of the femaleconnector 102 to become stuck or misaligned.

Curved leading latch surfaces 116 located on the proximal side of thelatch plate 112 on the bottom edge and lower sidewalls of the aperture114 enable the button 112 to be actuated to its “down” position as themale bayonet connector 104 is inserted into the female connector 102.The distal end of the male connector 104 may be similarly curved orchamfered to aid in sliding past the latch surface 116.

FIG. 4A illustrates a male bayonet connector 104 entering the apertureof the female connector housing 102. In some embodiments, the malebayonet connector 104 may include a proximal portion shaped as a barbedfrustum for coupling with fluid tubing. The distal portion 140 of themale connector 104 may be generally cylindrical with a substantiallysmooth surface that may serve as a sealing surface when the male bayonet104 is fully inserted into the female receiving connector 102. The maleconnector 104 may also have an annular channel 142 located proximal toand adjacent the distal portion 140. The annular channel 142 may bedefined by sidewalls that are perpendicular or beveled with respect tothe axis of the lumen of the male connector 104 that may be used toengage the latch plate 112.

As the distal portion 140 of the male bayonet connector 104 enters intothe female connector 102, it contacts the latch surface 116 of theconnection aperture 114 as shown in FIG. 4B. As axial force is appliedto insert the male bayonet connector 104 through the aperture 114, thelatch plate 112 is forced downward against the opposing bias of theright, left, and rear springs 118, 120, 122 as the distal portion 140slides against the ramped or curved latch surface 116. The latch plate112 moves downward until the male bayonet connector 104 is able to passthrough the larger area of the aperture 114. The male bayonet connector104 extends through the aperture 114 until the annular channel 142 ofthe male bayonet connector 104 is aligned with the latch surface 116 ofthe latch plate 112 as shown in FIG. 4C. When the channel 142 is alignedwith the latch plate 112, the latch plate 112 is forced upward by thesprings 118, 120, 122 whereby the latch plate 112 engages the channel142 to secure the male bayonet connector 104 within the female receivingconnector 104.

The above descriptions demonstrate the need for the springs 118, 120,122 to maintain their spring force and resiliency and resist creep,otherwise the female connector 102 will not securely engage and retainthe male connector 102. Such female connectors 102 will typically see20,000 male connects and 20,000 disconnects during a product life. Thebutton 100 is mechanically depressed by the male bayonet 104 duringinsertion and the end user must manually depress the button to the“down” position to disconnect. Therefore, the product will typically seethe button 100 depressed to its “down” position 40,000 times during itslife.

A standard product specification is a tension pull load test. While themale connector 104 is locked into the female connector 104, the two arepulled apart. It is desirable that the connection withstand a 10 lb.tension axial pull load. Another typical product specification is themale insertion force. It is desirable that the force required to connectthe male connector be lower than 4 lbs. A further typical productspecification is the squeeze-to-disconnect force, i.e., button push-downforce. It is desirable that the force not exceed 3.5 lbs.

There is a direct relationship between the spring force, the buttonpush-down force, and the force required to connect the male. If thespring force increases, the push-down and insertion forces increase. Ifthe spring force decreases, the push-down and insertion forces decrease.If the initial spring force is too low, there is a risk of the springscreeping or relaxing or deforming over time. The springs 118, 120, 122need to maintain enough spring force to lift the button 100 to its “up”or “locked” position throughout the lifecycle of the female connector102, i.e., for 40,000 depressions.

In one exemplary implementation, acetal plastic may be used for themolded button as well as the male connector 104 and/or the femaleconnector housing 102. Acetal has very good shape memory and a highcreep resistance. Acetal also has a low coefficient of friction whichhelps keep the insertion force low as the acetal male connector 104makes contact with the latch surface 116 of the latch plate 112 andsimilarly as the springs 118, 120, 122 slide against the inner surfaceof housing of the female connector 102.

The springs 118, 120, 122 are designed so that the resultant stress isdistributed over a large percentage of the spring's surface to minimizedeformation of the springs 118, 120, 122 over extended use. See e.g.,FIG. 5A for a finite element analysis of a desirable force distribution.The design of the three springs 118, 120, 122 is based upon a delicatebalance between minimizing the spring force (to maintain the desirablepush-down and male connection forces) and creating a geometry that willreturn to the original shape even after 40,000 actuations.

FIGS. 5B and 5C depict how the left and right springs 118, 120 of thepresent embodiment slide along the mating housing in both a vertical andhorizontal direction as the button 100 is depressed downward. The matinggeometry which enables the spring(s) to move in both a vertical andhorizontal is significant to achieve the low push-down and insertionforces, as well as distributing forces through the springs in such a waythat it minimizes flexural creep and deformation of the spring(s) overrepeated use.

Through finite element analysis and actual testing, a desirablerelationship between the radius of curvature of the outer shoulder 124to the radius of curvature of the inner hollow 126 at the base of theleft and right springs 118, 120 has been determined as a ratio in arange between 5.40 and 9.67 for the springs 118, 120 of thisimplementation to adequately perform.

Similarly, through finite element analysis and actual testing, adesirable relationship between the outer radius of curvature 128 to theinner radius of curvature 130 of the left and right springs 118, 120 hasbeen determined as a ratio in a range between 1.06 and 1.22 for the leftand right springs 118, 120 of this implementation to adequately perform.

Further, through finite element analysis and actual testing, a desirablerelationship between the outer radius of curvature 128 of the left andright springs 118, 120 to the radius of curvature 132 of the matingsurface on the connector housing has been determined as a ratio in arange between 1.06 and 1.22 for the left and right springs 118, 120 ofthis implementation to adequately perform.

Additionally, through finite element analysis and actual testing, adesirable relationship between the radius of curvature 132 of the matingsurface on the connector housing to the outer radius of curvature 128 ofthe rear spring 122 has been determined as a ratio in a range between6.44 and 8.30 for the rear spring 122 of this implementation toadequately perform.

Additional implementations of button latches with integrally moldedcantilevered springs are possible. Several additional examples of suchimplementations are presented in FIGS. 6A-8B. As before, the molded incantilever springs are designed to simplify a button latch where helicalor other coil springs would normally be used to force the button toreturn to its resting position after being pushed down in some fashion.Each of the following examples is a button with molded springs thatprovide specific return forces and/or resistances to push-down and maybe designed to meet particular specifications.

FIG. 6A depicts an exemplary implementation of a button 600 that pivotsor is hinged in the rear and allows for the front portion of the button600 to move. The button 600 is composed of an actuator 606 with shortsidewalls 608, a retention tab 610 on the proximal end, and a hinge tab622 on the distal end to retain the button 600 within the housing of theconnector.

The left and right cantilever leg springs 618, 620 have a form similarto sleigh runners. In this embodiment, the springs 618, 620 have a rightangle channel cross section for structural reinforcement. The left andright springs 618, 620 may be formed with various cross sections toachieve desired levels of spring force, structural rigidity, and creepresistance. The left and right springs 618, 620 attach to the buttonactuator 606 at the distal end and sweep downward and proximallyunderneath the actuator 606. As in the prior embodiment, the button 600has a latch plate 612 with a sloping latch surface 616 that defines anaperture 614 for receipt of and connection with a male connector.

FIGS. 6B-6H depict the button 600 disposed within a female connectorhousing composed of an upper housing 602 and a lower housing 604 thatare connected together, e.g., by ultrasonic welding, adhesive, detenttabs, or otherwise. The upper housing 602 defines a connector aperture638 at the proximal end that provides access for a male connector. Thelower housing defines a connector lumen 640 that is in fluidcommunication with the connector aperture 638 on the proximal end andwith a barb lumen 644 defined within a barb fitting section 644 on thedistal end. In this embodiment, the barb fitting section 642 isintegrally formed as a part of the lower housing 604 and is configuredfor retaining a flexible fluid tube thereon. The retention tab 610 haltsthe upward travel of the button 600 under bias of the springs 618, 620upon interfacing with a retention surface 628 in the upper housing 602.The hinge tab 622 is retained under and pivots against a bearing surface624 of the upper housing 602 as the button 600 is pushed downward by auser.

The left and right leg springs 618, 620, as shown in FIG. 6B, extend toa point below the proximal end of the button 600 on either side of thelatch plate 612. This position provides the largest vertical traveldistance for the button 600, minimizes the forward rocking motion of thebutton 600, and provides a good, stable feel to the push-down motion.The springs 618, 620 deflect upwards as indicated by the arrows in FIG.6B under a downward force on the actuator 606. The leg springs 618, 620also slide proximally within a guide track 632 formed in the bottom wallof the female connector housing 602. A shallow guide wall 634 may alsobe formed in the housing 602 to prevent the leg springs 618, 620 fromangling inward. Such restraint may be desirable to limit the verticaltravel of the button 606 or as another method for resisting creep bylimiting lateral movement of the leg springs 618, 620. The bias in theleft and right leg springs 618, 620 will force the button to return upto its resting position when the user force is removed from the button600.

As noted, the button 600 pivots at the interface of the hinge tab 622and the bearing surface 624 under the downward force on the actuationsurface 606. As the latch plate 612 travels downward within a latchchannel 636 formed within the upper housing 602 and lower housing 604,the latch plate 612 flexes along a flexion area 626 at the interfacebetween the latch plate 612 and retention tab 610 on the button 600. Theflexion area 626 is formed as a thinner section of the latch plate 612and allows the latch plate 612 to flex and maintain a constantlyvertical orientation in view of the constraints of the latch channel 636even though the movement of the proximal end of the button 600 isangular downward and distally due to the hinge structure of the hingetab 622 at the distal end of the button 600. By maintaining a verticalorientation of the latch plate 612 within the latch channel 636, abetter locking interface between the latch surface 616 and the insertedmale connector is achieved.

FIG. 7A is another exemplary implementation of a button 700 that slidesvertically along cantilevered leg springs 718, 720 extending from thelateral proximal edges of the button 700. The button 700 is composed ofan actuator 706 with short sidewalls 708 and retention tabs 710 on theproximal and distal ends to retain the button 700 within the housing ofthe connector. The left and right cantilever leg springs 718, 720 arecurved slightly laterally outwardly, but primarily extend downwardlysubstantially normal to the actuator 706. As in the prior embodiment,the button 700 has a latch plate 712 with a sloping latch surface 716that defines an aperture 714 for receipt of and connection with a maleconnector.

FIG. 7B depicts the button 700 disposed within a female connectorhousing 702. The left and right leg springs 718, 720, as shown in FIG.7B, extend to a point below the proximal end of the button 700 on eitherside of the latch plate 712. The springs 718, 720 deflect laterallyinwards and move symmetrically toward each other as indicated by thearrows in FIG. 7B under a downward force on the actuator 706. The legsprings 718, 720 also slide laterally along a guide surface 732 formedin the bottom wall of the female connector housing 702. The guidesurface 732 may be formed in a similar manner to a cam surface in thatthe guide surface 732 can be designed to push the springs closertogether or release tension based upon the thickness of the wall atvarious points along the guide surface 732. Such variations in the guidesurface 732 may be desirable to change (e.g., increase) the force on thebutton 706 as the springs travel 718, 720 or as another method forresisting creep by limiting lateral movement of the leg springs 718,720. The bias in the left and right leg springs 718, 720 will force thebutton to return up to its resting position when the user force isremoved from the button 700.

FIG. 8A is another exemplary implementation of a button 800 that slidesvertically along cantilevered leg springs 818, 820 extending from thelateral proximal edges of the button 800. This embodiment of a button800 is very similar to the prior embodiment of the button 700 with theaddition of two rear springs 822, 824 and several additional alignmentfeatures. The button 800 is composed of an actuator 806 with shortsidewalls 808 and retention tabs 810 on the proximal end to retain thebutton 800 within the housing of the connector. Additionally, a pair ofrear alignment walls 840 extends downwardly from the distal end of theactuator 806 defining a curved saddle therebetween. Retention tabs (notshown) are also on the distal faces of the rear alignment walls 840. Apair of guideposts 836, 838 also extends downward, normal to the bottomsurface of the actuator 806. The left and right cantilever leg springs818, 820 are curved slightly laterally outwardly, but primarily extenddownwardly substantially normal to the actuator 806. As in the priorembodiment, the button 800 has a latch plate 812 with a sloping latchsurface 816 that defines an aperture 814 for receipt of and connectionwith a male connector. In this embodiment, two additional cantileveredrear springs 822, 824 extend slightly downward from the center of thesidewalls of the actuator and then form shoulders from which they extenddownward at a distal angle.

FIG. 8B depicts the button 800 disposed within a female connectorhousing 802. The left and right leg front springs 818, 820, as shown inFIG. 8B, extend to a point below the proximal end of the button 800 oneither side of the latch plate 812. The springs 818, 820 deflectlaterally inwards and move symmetrically toward each other as indicatedby the arrows in FIG. 8B under a downward force on the actuator 806. Theleft and right leg springs 818, 820 also slide laterally along a surfacein the bottom wall of the female connector housing 802. The bias in theleft and right leg springs 818, 820 will force the button 800 to returnup to its resting position when the user force is removed from thebutton 800. The rear leg springs 822, 824 also slide distally within aguide track 832 formed in the bottom wall of the female connectorhousing 802 while resisting the downward force on the button 800. Ashallow guide wall 834 may also be formed in the housing 802 to preventthe rear leg springs 818, 820 from angling inward. Such restraint may bedesirable to limit the vertical travel of the button 806 or as anothermethod for resisting creep by limiting lateral movement of the legsprings 818, 820. The bias in the rear leg springs 822, 824 will forcethe button 800 to return up to its resting position when the downwarduser force is removed from the button 800.

In addition, the guideposts 836, 838 may be aligned with and fit withincylindrical guide tubes 844 extending upward from the bottom of thehousing 802. The interface between the guideposts 836, 838 and the guidetubes 844 helps maintain the vertical alignment of the button 800 withinthe female connector housing 802 and may further be used to limit thevertical travel distance of the button. Further, the saddle 842 formedbetween the rear alignment walls 840 may be used to align the button 800with a wall of a lumen 846 formed within the female connector 802.

All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower,upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top,bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise,and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aidthe reader's understanding of the present invention, and do not createlimitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of theinvention. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected,and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediatemembers between a collection of elements and relative movement betweenelements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references donot necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and infixed relation to each other. The exemplary drawings are for purposes ofillustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relativesizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of theinvention. Although various embodiments of the invention have beendescribed above with a certain degree of particularity, or withreference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in theart could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of this invention. Other embodimentsare therefore contemplated. It is intended that all matter contained inthe above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall beinterpreted as illustrative only of particular embodiments and notlimiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departingfrom the basic elements of the invention as defined in the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A button latch for use in a fluid connector, thebutton latch comprising: a button actuator portion for engagement by auser; a latch plate integrally formed with and extending downwardly andperpendicularly from a proximal edge of the button actuator portion andconfigured to physically secure a male connector within the buttonlatch; and a plurality of cantilevered leg springs, each leg springintegrally formed with the button actuator portion and the latch plateand cantilevered from either a bottom surface of the button actuatorportion or both an upper portion of the latch plate and the bottomsurface of the button actuator portion, wherein the plurality ofcantilevered leg springs comprise: two leg springs extendingsymmetrically downward and inward from laterally opposite corners of thebutton actuator portion to bias the latch plate in a locked position andresist depression forces applied to each of the button actuator portionand the latch plate, and a rear leg spring extending downward from abottom of the button actuator portion and curving distally.
 2. Thebutton latch of claim 1, wherein the two leg springs curve symmetricallydownward and inward to extend under the latch plate.
 3. The button latchof claim 2, wherein the two leg springs each have an outer shoulder andan inner hollow and a ratio of a radius of curvature of the outershoulder to a radius of curvature of the inner hollow is between 5.40and 9.67.
 4. The button latch of claim 2, wherein a ratio of an outerradius of curvature of one of the leg springs to an inner radius ofcurvature of the one of the leg springs is between 1.06 and 1.22.
 5. Thebutton latch of claim 1, wherein the plurality of leg springs furthercomprise two leg springs extending downward and angled rearward fromlaterally opposite sides of the button actuator portion away from thelatch plate.
 6. The button latch of claim 1, wherein the two leg springsextend downward in substantially a same plane as the latch plate.
 7. Thebutton latch of claim 1, wherein the plurality of leg springs furthercomprise two leg springs extending downward from laterally oppositesides of the button actuator portion and further curving forward toextend along a length of the button actuator portion toward the latchplate.
 8. The button latch of claim 1, further comprising a hinge tabextending from a rear edge of the button actuator portion, the hinge tabbeing configured to engage a bearing surface on a housing of the fluidconnector.
 9. The button latch of claim 1, further comprising analignment post extending downward from a bottom surface of the buttonactuator portion, the alignment post being configured to engage with apost receiver in the fluid connector.
 10. The button latch of claim 9,wherein the alignment post is positioned along a rear edge of the buttonactuator portion.
 11. The button latch of claim 1, further comprising aretention tab positioned along a front edge of the button actuatorportion and configured to retain the front edge of the button actuatorportion within a housing of the fluid connector.
 12. A fluid tubingconnector, comprising: a housing defining an aperture in a top surfacethereof; a tube connection portion; an opening configured to receive amale connector; and a button latch configured to engage and disengagewith the male connector, the button latch further comprising: a buttonactuator portion with a top surface exposed within the aperture in thetop surface of the housing for engagement by a user; a latch plateintegrally formed with and extending downwardly and perpendicularly froma proximal edge of the button actuator portion and defining a latchaperture substantially aligned with the opening, wherein the latch plateis configured to engage a male connector to secure the fluid tubingconnector in a locked position; and a plurality of cantilevered legsprings, each leg spring integrally formed with the button actuatorportion and the latch plate, extending from either a bottom surface ofthe button actuator portion or both an upper portion of the latch plateand the bottom surface of the button actuator portion, and contacting aninner wall surface of the housing, wherein the plurality of cantileveredleg springs comprise: two leg springs extending symmetrically downwardand inward from laterally opposite corners of the button actuatorportion to bias the latch plate within the housing in the lockedposition and resist depression forces applied to each of the buttonactuator portion and the latch plate, and a rear leg spring extendingdownward from a bottom of the button actuator portion and curvingdistally to slidingly engage the inner wall surface of the housing. 13.The fluid tubing connector of claim 12, wherein a ratio of an outerradius of curvature of the rear leg spring to a radius of curvature ofthe inner wall surface of the housing is between 6.44 and 8.30.
 14. Thefluid tubing connector of claim 12, wherein the plurality of leg springsfurther comprise two leg springs extending downward and angled rearwardfrom laterally opposite sides of the button actuator portion away fromthe latch plate to slidingly engage the inner wall surface of thehousing.
 15. The fluid tubing connector of claim 12, wherein the two legsprings extend downward in substantially a same plane as the latchplate.
 16. The fluid tubing connector of claim 12, wherein the pluralityof leg springs further comprise two leg springs extending downward fromlaterally opposite sides of the button actuator portion and furthercurving forward to extend along a length of the button actuator portiontoward the latch plate.
 17. The fluid tubing connector of claim 12,further comprising a hinge tab extending from a rear edge of the buttonactuator portion, the hinge tab being configured to engage a bearingsurface on an edge of the housing defining the aperture in the topsurface.
 18. The fluid tubing connector of claim 17, wherein: thehousing further defines a channel within which the latch platetranslates upward and downward; and an interface between the buttonactuator portion and the latch plate is pliable to allow the buttonactuator portion to bend with respect to the latch plate as the buttonactuator portion pivots on the hinge tab at the bearing surface whendepressed.
 19. The fluid tubing connector of claim 12, furthercomprising an alignment post extending downward from the bottom surfaceof the button actuator portion, the alignment post being configured toengage with a post receiver formed on the inner wall surface of thehousing.
 20. The fluid tubing connector of claim 19, wherein thealignment post is positioned along a rear edge of the button actuatorportion.
 21. The fluid tubing connector of claim 12, further comprisinga retention tab positioned along a front edge of the button actuatorportion and configured engage an edge of the housing defining theaperture in the top surface to retain the front edge of the buttonactuator portion within the housing.
 22. The fluid tubing connector ofclaim 12, further comprising one or more channels formed in the innerwall surface of the housing, the one or more channels being configuredto interface with and guide movement of one or more respective ones ofthe plurality of cantilevered leg springs when the button actuatorportion is depressed.
 23. The fluid tubing connector of claim 12,wherein the two leg springs each have an outer shoulder and an innerhollow and a ratio of a radius of curvature of the outer shoulder to aradius of curvature of the inner hollow is between 5.40 and 9.67. 24.The fluid tubing connector of claim 12, wherein a ratio of an outerradius of curvature of one of the leg springs to an inner radius ofcurvature of the one of the leg springs is between 1.06 and 1.22. 25.The fluid tubing connector of claim 12, wherein a ratio of an outerradius of curvature of one of the leg springs to a radius of curvatureof a corresponding mating surface on the inner wall surface of thehousing of the fluid tubing connector is between 1.06 and 1.22.
 26. Abutton latch for use in a fluid connector, the button latch comprising:a button actuator portion for engagement by a user; a latch plateintegrally formed with and extending downwardly and perpendicularly froma proximal edge of the button actuator portion and configured tophysically secure a male connector within the button latch; a pluralityof cantilevered leg springs, each leg spring integrally formed with thebutton actuator portion and the latch plate and cantilevered from eithera bottom surface of the button actuator portion or both an upper portionof the latch plate and the bottom surface of the button actuatorportion; and a hinge tab extending from a rear edge of the buttonactuator portion, the hinge tab being configured to engage a bearingsurface on a housing of the fluid connector, wherein the plurality ofcantilevered leg springs comprise two leg springs extendingsymmetrically downward and inward from laterally opposite corners of thebutton actuator portion to bias the latch plate in a locked position andresist depression forces applied to each of the button actuator portionand the latch plate.
 27. A button latch for use in a fluid connector,the button latch comprising: a button actuator portion for engagement bya user; a latch plate integrally formed with and extending downwardlyand perpendicularly from a proximal edge of the button actuator portionand configured to physically secure a male connector within the buttonlatch; a plurality of cantilevered leg springs, each leg springintegrally formed with the button actuator portion and the latch plateand cantilevered from either a bottom surface of the button actuatorportion or both an upper portion of the latch plate and the bottomsurface of the button actuator portion; and an alignment post extendingdownward from a bottom surface of the button actuator portion, thealignment post being configured to engage with a post receiver in thefluid connector, wherein the plurality of cantilevered leg springscomprise two leg springs extending symmetrically downward and inwardfrom laterally opposite corners of the button actuator portion to biasthe latch plate in a locked position and resist depression forcesapplied to each of the button actuator portion and the latch plate. 28.A button latch for use in a fluid connector, the button latchcomprising: a button actuator portion for engagement by a user; a latchplate integrally formed with and extending downwardly andperpendicularly from a proximal edge of the button actuator portion andconfigured to physically secure a male connector within the buttonlatch; a plurality of cantilevered leg springs, each leg springintegrally formed with the button actuator portion and the latch plateand cantilevered from either a bottom surface of the button actuatorportion or both an upper portion of the latch plate and the bottomsurface of the button actuator portion; and a retention tab positionedalong a front edge of the button actuator portion and configured toretain the front edge of the button actuator portion within a housing ofthe fluid connector, wherein the plurality of cantilevered leg springscomprise two leg springs extending symmetrically downward and inwardfrom laterally opposite corners of the button actuator portion to biasthe latch plate in a locked position and resist depression forcesapplied to each of the button actuator portion and the latch plate. 29.A fluid tubing connector, comprising: a housing defining an aperture ina top surface thereof; a tube connection portion; an opening configuredto receive a male connector; and a button latch configured to engage anddisengage with the male connector, the button latch further comprising:a button actuator portion with a top surface exposed within the aperturein the top surface of the housing for engagement by a user; a latchplate integrally formed with and extending downwardly andperpendicularly from a proximal edge of the button actuator portion anddefining a latch aperture substantially aligned with the opening,wherein the latch plate is configured to engage a male connector tosecure the fluid tubing connector in a locked position; a plurality ofcantilevered leg springs, each leg spring integrally formed with thebutton actuator portion and the latch plate, extending from either abottom surface of the button actuator portion or both an upper portionof the latch plate and the bottom surface of the button actuatorportion, and contacting an inner wall surface of the housing; and ahinge tab extending from a rear edge of the button actuator portion, thehinge tab being configured to engage a bearing surface on an edge of thehousing defining the aperture in the top surface, wherein the pluralityof cantilevered leg springs comprise two leg springs extendingsymmetrically downward and inward from laterally opposite corners of thebutton actuator portion to bias the latch plate within the housing inthe locked position and resist depression forces applied to each of thebutton actuator portion and the latch plate.
 30. A fluid tubingconnector, comprising: a housing defining an aperture in a top surfacethereof; a tube connection portion; an opening configured to receive amale connector; and a button latch configured to engage and disengagewith the male connector, the button latch further comprising: a buttonactuator portion with a top surface exposed within the aperture in thetop surface of the housing for engagement by a user; a latch plateintegrally formed with and extending downwardly and perpendicularly froma proximal edge of the button actuator portion and defining a latchaperture substantially aligned with the opening, wherein the latch plateis configured to engage a male connector to secure the fluid tubingconnector in a locked position; a plurality of cantilevered leg springs,each leg spring integrally formed with the button actuator portion andthe latch plate, extending from either a bottom surface of the buttonactuator portion or both an upper portion of the latch plate and thebottom surface of the button actuator portion, and contacting an innerwall surface of the housing; and an alignment post extending downwardfrom the bottom surface of the button actuator portion, the alignmentpost being configured to engage with a post receiver formed on the innerwall surface of the housing, wherein the plurality of cantilevered legsprings comprise two leg springs extending symmetrically downward andinward from laterally opposite corners of the button actuator portion tobias the latch plate within the housing in the locked position andresist depression forces applied to each of the button actuator portionand the latch plate.
 31. A fluid tubing connector, comprising: a housingdefining an aperture in a top surface thereof; a tube connectionportion; an opening configured to receive a male connector; and a buttonlatch configured to engage and disengage with the male connector, thebutton latch further comprising: a button actuator portion with a topsurface exposed within the aperture in the top surface of the housingfor engagement by a user; a latch plate integrally formed with andextending downwardly and perpendicularly from a proximal edge of thebutton actuator portion and defining a latch aperture substantiallyaligned with the opening, wherein the latch plate is configured toengage a male connector to secure the fluid tubing connector in a lockedposition; a plurality of cantilevered leg springs, each leg springintegrally formed with the button actuator portion and the latch plate,extending from either a bottom surface of the button actuator portion orboth an upper portion of the latch plate and the bottom surface of thebutton actuator portion, and contacting an inner wall surface of thehousing; and a retention tab positioned along a front edge of the buttonactuator portion and configured engage an edge of the housing definingthe aperture in the top surface to retain the front edge of the buttonactuator portion within the housing, wherein the plurality ofcantilevered leg springs comprise two leg springs extendingsymmetrically downward and inward from laterally opposite corners of thebutton actuator portion to bias the latch plate within the housing inthe locked position and resist depression forces applied to each of thebutton actuator portion and the latch plate.